Find out how popular the first name Tama has been for the last 45 years (from 1974 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tama by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Tama is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Tama being female.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tama.

It's also interesting to see that despite Tama being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2018 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Tama.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby boys were named Tama in 2018, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Tama

The name Tama is believed to have originated from the Polynesian languages, particularly in the Maori culture of New Zealand. It is thought to be derived from the word "tama," which means "son" or "boy" in the Maori language. This name has been in use for centuries, dating back to the ancient Polynesian societies of the Pacific Islands.

In Maori mythology, Tama is also the name of a prominent figure, the son of the primordial parents Rangi and Papa. Tama and his brothers were instrumental in separating their parents, the sky and the earth, allowing light and life to flourish. This mythological connection adds a significant cultural and spiritual significance to the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tama can be found in the genealogies and oral traditions of the Maori people, which were passed down through generations. These oral histories often mentioned individuals with the name Tama, indicating its widespread use among the Maori population.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tama. One example is Tama Te Mutu Kera, a influential Maori chief and warrior who lived in the late 18th century. He played a crucial role in the conflicts between various Maori tribes during that period.

Another historical figure with the name Tama was Tama Te Kapua, a renowned Maori navigator and explorer who lived in the early 19th century. He was known for his exceptional skills in celestial navigation and his voyages across the Pacific Ocean.

In the realm of sports, Tama Iti was a prominent New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks national team in the early 20th century. He played as a forward and was part of the team that toured Europe and North America in the 1920s.

Tama Huata was a Maori leader and activist who played a significant role in the fight for indigenous rights and land claims in New Zealand during the late 20th century. He was a prominent figure in the Maori protest movements and advocated for the preservation of Maori culture and language.

Tama Ngata was a Maori politician and scholar who served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament in the early 20th century. He was instrumental in promoting Maori education and preserving Maori language and traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tama was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tama, please contact us.

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